WASHINGTON -- Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist disclosed Monday that he's undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for thyroid cancer.\nRehnquist was expected to be on the bench when the court returned from a two-week break. But instead he issued a statement saying "at the suggestion of my doctors, (I) am continuing to recuperate at home."\nRehnquist was released from a Maryland hospital last Friday after undergoing surgery to have a tube inserted in his throat to help his breathing.\nThe court has released no details about his weeklong stay at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, except to say that he had a tracheotomy. The type of thyroid cancer and its severity have not been disclosed.\nRehnquist, 80, revealed the cancer diagnosis a week ago, prompting speculation about a court vacancy for the first time in more than a decade. The winner of Tuesday's presidential election is expected to name one or more justices to a court that is deeply divided on issues like abortion, affirmative action and the death penalty.\nRehnquist said he was receiving outpatient radiation and chemotherapy. Cancer of the thyroid, a gland in the neck that produces hormones to help regulate the body's use of energy, is generally treatable but can be more aggressive in older people.\n"According to my doctors, my plan to return to the office today was too optimistic," he said. "While at home, I am working on court matters, including opinions for cases already argued. I am, and will, continue to be in close contact with my colleagues, my law clerks and members of the Supreme Court staff.\nRehnquist had been hoarse for several weeks before his hospitalization, Oct. 22 at the hospital in suburban Bethesda, Md. He had the tracheotomy a day later.\nRehnquist, a conservative who has been on the court since 1972 and chief justice since 1986, has had other health problems, including chronic back pain and a torn leg tendon that required surgery.\nIn his absence Monday, Justice John Paul Stevens, 84, presided over the court. He said Rehnquist still could vote in cases being argued this week after reviewing transcripts and briefs.\nThe combination of radiation and chemotherapy raises the suspicion that Rehnquist's cancer is not one of the common types that are usually easily treatable, said Dr. Joseph Geradts of Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.\nThe most common types are papillary and follicular cancer, and they are generally responsive to radioactive iodine, Geradts said. Chemotherapy could be needed if it is the more aggressive form, called anaplastic, he said.\nHe noted that the gland is often removed as part of cancer treatment, but in cases of anaplastic cancer, the thyroid sometimes cannot be readily removed.\nThe presence of a tracheotomy to ease Rehnquist's breathing also might indicate anaplastic cancer, Geradts said, since that form can squeeze the trachea.
Rehnquist absent as court reconvenes
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